Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is a psychiatric condition that encompasses extreme fluctuations of mood and energy levels that affect cognitive function and emotional states. These symptoms can cause severe psychological instability and impairments in daily functioning, with episodes of extreme highs or extreme lows, which can last for weeks or even months on end. There are several types of bipolar disorder, some less severe in symptom presentation than others: Bipolar I, Bipolar II and Cyclothymia. There are many other symptoms requiring professional evaluation and proper diagnosis, including the following:
Manic Episodes
- Inflated self-esteem or feelings of grandiosity
- Being more talkative than usual or experiencing rapid speech
- Uncontrollable racing and obsessive thoughts
- High distractibility and loss of concentration
- A decreased need for sleep and an increase in goal-directed activity
- Excessive involvement in risky and pleasurable activities such as impulsive shopping sprees, gambling, substance use or sexual indiscretions
Depressive Episodes
- Depressed mood with increased feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
- Insomnia or sleeping excessively
- Loss of interest in activities that you once used to enjoy doing
- Inability to concentrate on daily tasks
- Feelings of tiredness and extreme physical fatigue
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide (please all 911 immediately if you are having suicidal thoughts)
